Many people with disabilities may feel like they have lost a large amount of their independence. They may find that they now have to rely on others to drive them places, especially if they live in an area that has a poor public transportation system that isn’t very accessible. Fortunately, there is another option: a wheelchair van. Wheelchair vans are a great way of increasing your independence. Here are a few ways these vans can increase your independence.
You Can Drive Yourself Again
Many wheelchair vans are equipped or can be customized to allow you to drive yourself. The driver’s seat can be removed so that all you have to do is roll up the ramp or use the wheelchair lift to get into your van. Then you wheel yourself into the driver’s position, lock the wheelchair in place using power tie-downs or a similar system, and then go! The steering wheel includes hand controls that control the gas and the brake, plus the wheel itself is designed to require very little effort to turn.
There are a few other options, too. For example, if you’re able to move yourself from your wheelchair to another chair, some vans have driver’s seats that electronically move back and turn. This means you can easily move into the seat, then have it turn back and move you into the driver’s position. Many of the different wheelchair vans for sale can be customized to accommodate you and your needs.
Going Somewhere Isn’t a Chore
Even if you’re not driving, going somewhere with a family member or friend can seem like a chore. You have to get into the vehicle either by slowly standing and turning or by having someone help you. Then the other person has to fold up your wheelchair or otherwise stow it in the vehicle. When you get to your destination, you have to repeat this process in reverse, and then do it all over again to get home. But with a wheelchair van, all you have to do is roll up the automatic ramp or ride up the wheelchair lift. You don’t have to get out of your chair at all. Now going out is much easier for everyone involved.
You Have Options
Some people are afraid that they will never be able to afford a wheelchair van. They see the price tag on new, wheelchair vans and think that they have no other options. However, that’s not true. There are a number of used full-sized vans and minivans available, many of which are very reasonably priced. It really depends on what options you need and what you’re looking for in a vehicle overall. If you don’t mind a used van that has some miles on it, you can find a wheelchair van that will easily meet your budget. Finances shouldn’t be the reason you give up your independence, not when there are wheelchair vans out there in every price range.